Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 492

First Person: The Evolution of Staceyann Chin

'In season 2 episode 2 of PBS Digital Studios’ First Person, host Donald Shorter talks with poet and activist Staceyann Chin about growing up in Jamaica, finding her voice as an activist and raising a child as a single lesbian.'

Reshaping the Mo(u)rning: Short Documentary on the Work of SpiritHouse

'SpiritHouse is a multigenerational Black women- led cultural organizing tribe with a rich legacy of using art, culture and media to support the empowerment and transformation of communities most impacted by racism, poverty, gender inequity, criminalization and incarceration. Documentary directed by Rodrigo Dorfman.' -- SpiritHouse  

Edge of Sports NBA & Player Protest: A Collision Course?

'Edge of Sports with Dave Zirin talks face-to-face with Michael Lee, senior writer at The Vertical for Yahoo! Sports, about the prospect of players protesting during the anthem in the NBA and how NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will handle it. Also, we speak to Lindsay Gibbs, sports correspondent for ThinkProgress, about Cam Newton’s sexist comments to a female reporter and how racism against Cam became part of the story.' -- Edge of Sports 

Rebecca Caroll & Ashley C. Ford on Praise, Controversy, Criticism and the Art of Kara Walker

'A new exhibit by the artist Kara Walker opened in New York City. In 1997, Walker became the youngest person ever to receive a MacArthur "genius" grant. Her show at the Domino Sugar Factory in 2014 drew high praise and tough criticism for its centerpiece — a sculpture of a 75-foot black woman made of sugar. WNYC’s Rebecca Caroll and Refinery29 Senior Features Editior Ashley C. Ford went to Walker’s new show when it opened. Here, they discuss the history and criticism of Walker’s work, and what she tries to accomplish with her new show.' -- The Takeaway
         
        

[Visuals + Sonics] Gregory Porter -- "Smile"

Music and visual for "Smile" from Gregory Porter's Nat “King” Cole & Me.

[Visuals & Sonics] Talib Kweli "Heads Up Eyes Open" feat. Rick Ross & Yummy Bingham

New music + visuals from Talib Kweli's Radio Silence.
 

From Church Choirs To Performance Poetry: How Jamila Woods Found Her Voice

'The Chicago-based soul singer Jamila Woods discusses her songwriting process, artistic communities, and how poetry built her confidence in an interview at Radio Milwaukee.' -- NPR Music

After Midnight: Thelonious Monk At 100

'Misunderstood early in his career, the jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk — born Oct. 10, 1917 — came to have a massive effect on American music.' -- NPR

"A People's History of Self Determination" -- Historian Herb Boyd on "Black Detroit"

'Over the years Herb Boyd has become widely known as a respected journalist, historian, activist, and the author of 23 books. This year his profile has catapulted even further with the release of his latest book, Black Detroit: A People's History of Self Determination. The title has since received rave reviews from several major media outlets, including the New York Times and the Washington Post. Part memoir, part love letter, part historical chronicle, Boyd shares his reflections on this iconic American city and explains in detail the significant contributions Detroit has made to the nation. Boyd recently sat with Black America host, Carol Jenkins to discuss his life growing up in Detroit, the city's history, and the future of Detroit.' -- cunytv75

Dick Gregory and the Chicago Playboy Club

'The late Dick Gregory recalls when he was booked at the Chicago Playboy Club – the first time a black comedian was booked for a white nightclub.'-- American Masters PBS